#TN2025 Defensive Linemen to Watch For in the Playoffs

As high school football action continues in the Volunteer State with the playoffs, it's time to evaluate some of the most impactful prospects from the regular season that have made their presence known on the field. Today, we will be looking at some #TN2025 defensive linemen that have established themselves as high-level playmakers and have raised their stock ahead of the playoffs.    At the top of my list of notable performers is [player_tooltip player_id='219447' first='Ethan' last='Utley'], a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive lineman at Ensworth High School. Utley and the Tigers take on Montgomery Bell Academy in their next matchup. What impresses me about Utley is his strength, the way he uses his arms to bully the offensive line and his consistency in stopping the running back from breaking away from the pocket. Another aspect of Utley's playstyle that stands out is commanding physicality on tackles, showing off his ability to blast the defense to the ground and force the occasional turnover.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LkG5h">Tape:</a>    I am additionally impressed with [player_tooltip player_id='323137' first='Amir' last='Leonard-Jean Charles'], a 6-foot-4, 305-pound defensive lineman at Lipscomb Academy. Charles and the Mustangs are scheduled to face off against Father Ryan in their next contest. Charles contributes outstanding strength and organization at the line, proving he can win one-on-ones with the offensive line, make crucial stops in third-down scenarios and get to the quarterback. Charles also impresses me with his ability to both scan and maneuver the pocket, utilizing his quickness to read the offense and keep momentum on the defensive side.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLPku">Tape:</a>    Claiming the number three spot on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='855556' first='Kyler' last='Garcia'], a 6-foot-4, 255-pound defensive lineman at Pearl Cohn High School. Garcia and the Firebirds are preparing to compete against Lexington next. What makes Garcia so explosive at the line is his quick execution and ability to disrupt the offense on the ground with his speed and strength. Garcia's ability to withstand contact and stay in front of the running back is also a plus with his game, proving he can consistently push back against the offense and keep the opposition out of scoring range.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLXaj">Tape:</a>    Another skilled prospect to keep an eye on is [player_tooltip player_id='362010' first='Kedrick' last='Donald'], a 6-foot-0, 245-pound defensive lineman at Houston High School. Donald and the Mustangs are set to take on Dickson County in their next game. Donald stands out on the defensive side with his ability to quickly overpower the offensive line and sack the quarterback. Donald also makes an impact with his ability to disrupt passing, utilizing bursts of speed to jump in front of receivers and attack the ball in the air. I also like how Donald uses his arms to contest passes and swat the ball out of the air.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LeDr4">Tape:</a>    Coming in at number five on my list is [player_tooltip player_id='839500' first='Jayvion' last='Burrow'], a 6-foot-1, 245-pound defensive lineman at Oakhaven High School. Burrow and the Hawks are preparing for their matchup with Trezevant next. Burrow's ability to maneuver the pocket, break free from coverage and catch the running back is an aspect of his playstyle that has certainly made a difference this season. I'm additionally fond of how Burrow uses his size and strength to push back and stun the offensive line, making it easy for the defense to close openings in the pocket and stop the rush.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2MLAxC">Tape:</a>    Also worth mentioning is [player_tooltip player_id='390665' first='Quinton' last='Humphrey'], a 6-foot-4, 270-pound defensive lineman at Greeneville High School. Humphrey and the Greene Devils are taking on Fulton in their next contest. Humphrey makes his presence known defensively due to his quick reaction and execution, proving his ability to be unstoppable in the pocket. Another aspect of Humphrey that makes him so dangerous is his ability to both pressure and stop the quarterback, capitalizing on weak spots in the offensive line to apply pressure. I also like how Humphrey uses his strength and precision to make quick tackles and keep the offense out of the backfield.     <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2LxdCx">Tape:</a>

As high school football action continues in the Volunteer State with the playoffs, it's time to evaluate some of the most impactful prospects from the regular season that have made their presence known on the field. Today, we will be looking at some #TN2025 defensive linemen that have established themselves as high-level playmakers and have raised their stock ahead of the playoffs.